Office of The Bishop 

Dear Friends in Christ,
 
As you may know, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops gathered this week in Baltimore for our annual fall assembly. Our intended agenda was to deal with the ongoing sex abuse crisis in our Church. Along with many of my brother bishops, I was surprised and disappointed to learn that the Holy See had instructed the USCCB not to hold binding votes on the proposed “Code of Conduct for Bishops” or the proposal to create a lay commission to investigate claims against bishops.
 
As a member of the US Bishop’s Committee for Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations I helped review and edit the proposed “Code of Conduct for Bishops.” This document is an important step towards renewal and a real commitment by us, your bishops, to act with utmost integrity.
 
The instruction not to vote on the two proposals could be interpreted as a lack of care and concern for victims and their families. From the comments of many of the faithful of Eastern Washington and beyond, the lay people expect us to act. We must pray that Pope Francis and the Curia understand how the Church's ability to proclaim the Gospel and teach the Faith will be damaged, perhaps beyond repair in our lifetime, if we do not act.
 
As a body, the US Bishops must insist not only on accountability for bishops but also for religious superiors and provincials. They too need to be held accountable for any harassment or predatory behavior towards seminarians and professed religious men and women.
 
Please pray for Pope Francis, my brother bishops, and me that we may make progress on bringing about the reforms so desperately needed.
  
In Christ,
 
Bishop Thomas Daly

PDF: Statement regarding the USCCB 2018 General Assembly 

PDF available here

Bishop Daly's Personal Reflections in response to the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report

(Originally Shared on Twitter)

During times of great sin in the world, God always raises up holy priests and religious to call the world to faith in Christ. During times of corruption and degeneracy in the clergy, God raises up holy lay women and men to call the church back to holiness.

We need the laity to help lead the way. Today’s statement by Cardinal DiNardo and the USCCB is a start towards the reforms we need to ensure that sin and degeneracy cannot flourish in the clergy, nor corruption in the episcopal leadership. Link to USCCB Statement: https://t.co/eDQ5AAbRuL

The Pennsylvania Grand Jury report is nauseating; the immoral acts of Archbishop McCarrick are despicable. The abuses wounded vulnerable persons in profoundly devastating ways, and the cover-up has harmed every Catholic by betraying the trust that they had in us bishops.

Words are not enough, we need concrete action to restore trust. For myself and my fellow bishops, I apologize for the failures of bishops in diocese after diocese. I look forward to working with my fellow bishops to establish a lay-led investigation into the abuses and cover-up.

Transparency is needed; what is needed even more are priests, bishops, and laity who live holy lives with integrity so that transparency is not an imposition but a welcome opportunity to witness to the love of Christ and His saving work in our lives.

I pray that no one would let this terrible crisis separate them from Jesus, He is the divine healer and the Good Shepherd. Let us beg Mary, Queen of the Clergy to pray for her priests and guide them to her son Jesus. That they may always seek to be shepherds after His own heart.

Most importantly we pray for every victim of abuse and for every Catholic who feels betrayed by the Church. Our Blessed Mother weeps when her children are hurt by the Church. Let us turn to her in confidence and implore her intercession for the healing of God’s children.

Statement on Archbishop McCarrick

On Friday, July 27th, The Holy See issued the following announcement:
 
Yesterday evening the Holy Father received the letter in which Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington (U.S.A.), presented his resignation as a member of the College of Cardinals.
 
Pope Francis accepted his resignation from the cardinalate and has ordered his suspension from the exercise of any public ministry, together with the obligation to remain in a house yet to be indicated to him, for a life of prayer and penance until the accusations made against him are examined in a regular canonical trial.
 
I am grateful to the Holy Father for his actions. The credible and substantiated accusations against Archbishop McCarrick remind us that even bishops and cardinals must be held accountable for their actions.  The sexual abuse of a minor is an intrinsic moral evil and a crime for all perpetrators no matter their state in life. 
 
I also want to take this opportunity to assure the faithful of Eastern Washington that we continue our efforts to provide a safe environment for all minors and vulnerable adults in our care.  To report any suspicion of abuse by any Church personnel please contact local law enforcement.  In addition, Roberta Smith in our Office of Child and Youth Protection stands ready to assist in any way possible.  She may be contacted by phone at (509) 353-0442.
 
Our Blessed Mother weeps when her children are hurt by the Church.  Let us then turn with humility to the patroness of the Diocese of Spokane and implore her intercession for the safety of all God’s little ones.  Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!

Statement on the Separation of Children from Undocumented Immigrant Parents
 

The unity of the family is a foundational element of Catholic social teaching.  In fact, marriage and the family are central social institutions which must be supported and strengthened by Church teaching and government policy.  These institutions are undermined when children are unnecessarily separated from their parents.  This practice is contrary to our Catholic values.  I join His Eminence, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Bishop Joe Vásquez, Chairman of USCCB's Committee on Migration, in condemning the continued use of family separation at the United States/Mexico border as an implementation of the U.S. government’s zero-tolerance policy.  “While protecting our borders is important, we can and must do better as a government, and as a society, to find other ways to ensure that safety.  Separating babies from their mothers is not the answer and is immoral."
 
The Most Rev. Thomas A. Daly
Bishop of Spokane

Bishop Daly's Statement on Freeman High School Shooting

While we are still learning more information, at this time I would like to ask that you join me in prayers for all those impacted by the shooting at Freeman High School this morning.  Tragically, Police reports indicate that one student has passed away and others are injured.  This senseless act of violence has shaken our community. 
We thank the many first responders who quickly arrived to protect students, take the suspect into custody, and transport victims.  My sincere prayers are with all Freeman High School parents, students, faculty, and staff. 
Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us.

Regarding Cataldo Catholic School Governance

Bishop Thomas Daly has come to a decision regarding the governance structure of Cataldo Catholic School. The Bishop's letter to the Board of Directors of Cataldo Catholic School is available here.

Regarding the Executive Order Suspending Refugee Admissions Program
 
The Executive Order issued on Friday, January 27th, effectively shut down the admission of all refugees to the United States of America.  As the violence and chaos continues in countries like Syria and Iraq, innocent citizens are fleeing to the safety of America. I believe that refugees from war can be welcomed to our country without compromising the safety and security of our nation.  The Catholic Bishops of the United States will continue to engage government officials in finding a solution to this crisis that is humane and consistent with our values. 

The Most Rev. Thomas Daly
Bishop of Spokane